Rolex explorer I ref 1016 gilt swiss underline tropical from 1963 ( stock paris heure )
Rolex explorer I ref 1016 gilt swiss underline tropical from 1963
Movement : Auto cal 1560
Reference: 1016
Diameter : 36mm
Year: 1963
Serial : 105XXXX
Case: Very nice case not too polished, still thick and with angles and lugs not too rounded because the case of the 1016 was thin enough for a professional watch. Bezel in good condition. No significant visible shocks.
Dial: Beautiful gilt dial with beautiful patinated indexes. Very rare transition dial with its swiss only marking and its small underline line which marks the transition from radium to less radioactive tritium. The gilt has very few surface scratches and remains in a good state of conservation and homogeneous patina of the indexes 3-6-9 and in addition begins to become tropical brown and perfect without bites or large blisters... The hands match the patina of origin. Very nice overall set.
Bracelet : Riveted steel endlink 58 marked 1.65
Accessories: None
Guarantee : All watches are guaranteed for 6 months for normal use. For vintage watches that are not waterproof, there is no guarantee of water resistance. In the caseof a water resistance problem linked to the non-screwing of the crown, the warranty is also void. In the case of shocks to the watch, the warranty is void. Normal use only qualifies for the 6-month warranty.
Description
Our opinion: The explorer ref 1016 appeared in the 60s, different versions were produced, matte, lacquered, white dial... A real collector's reference so difficult to find today. This one has a nice patina. The case is in good condition, its ultra rare gilt swiss only underline transition dial is very well preserved and a beautiful brown tropical patina is forming! The watch is in its original condition with its period riveted bracelet and is part of the very first series produced in 1963 during the luminescent transition period at Rolex which is very sought after !!!! So rare to find today that they are now worth as much as the Submariner!